Book Review: Warrior

Warrior (The Blades of the Rose #1)

by Zoe Archer

Genre: adventure, historical-romance, paranormal, romance

Publication: September 2010

Format: ebook, 384 pages

Warrior is definitely one of the romance books I enjoyed. Probably the best historical romance I’ve read so far. I love the combination of adventure, romance, action, magic and a bit of humor in it. It has a little bit of something that makes it perfect.

I don’t usually enjoy historical romance. When Zoe Archer combined the romance with adventure and action, I’m hooked! I definitely enjoyed the storyline. Thalia has finally had an opportunity to get the status as the blades of rose. Along the way, Gabriel joins in her journey to protect her from the heirs. Their journey was full of adventure and magic, which made the book enjoyable. And let’s not forget that steamy scene between Gabriel and Thalia at the oasis.

I love the character, Thalia Burgess and Captain Gabriel Huntley. I love how their relationship evolved from the beginning. Together, they are perfect. Thalia is a damsel in a distress, but she’s also tough. I love how Thalia and Gabriel both protect each other. That they are fighting side by side. They complimented each other. Like Gabriel said,

"She and I are like flint and gunpowder. Each are strong, but together, they're explosive." "We're bow and the string. Useless alone, but strong together."

I’m looking forward to the next book of the series. Especially as there’s the mention of the of Bennet from the second book,  and Catullus from the fourth book.

Book Cover’s Description

To most people, the realm of magic is the stuff of nursery rhymes and dusty libraries. But for Capt. Gabriel Huntley, it's become quite real and quite dangerous. . .In Hot Pursuit. . .

The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond--where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn't be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress--just what he needs.

In Hotter Water. . .

Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley's assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn't easy to deceive. . .

#21 Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week:

Damned aggravating, how difficult it had been to tear his eyes from her, how, from the moment he had set foot inside Franklin Burgess's tent, Huntley had been aware of her, every movement, every word, even, for the love of the devil, her breathing. 

His only explanation was that it had been six months since he'd taken a woman to bed. - 9%, Warrior, Zoe Archer

I haven't post my teaser for weeks! I've been busy these past few weeks. Anyway... I'm reading a Historical Romance this week (which I don't usually read)! But, warrior sounds exciting! Huntley sounds gorgeous!

Review: The Bridesmaid Pact

The Bridesmaid Pact

by Julia Williams

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication: May 2010

Format: Paperback, 357 pages

The Bridesmaid Pact is a story of four best friends – Caz, Beth, Sarah and Dorris. They made each other a promise as children that they will be each other’s bridesmaids. But things happen, and their promise broken. Caz weren’t there on Beth and Sarah’s wedding, and none of Caz’s friend was there when she had her wedding. Now it’s down to Dorrie to have all of her friends as her bridesmaid for her fairytale wedding.  But things were really not that simple.

The Bridesmaid Pact was a bit confusing at the beginning as it was written in four points of views – Caz’s, Beth’s, Sarah’s and Dorris’. I had a hard time keeping up with who is who and had to refer back to the cover to figure that out. But the changing point of view works for me as I continued to read the book.

I just couldn’t help but to love those girls although I wasn’t sure that I was going to like Sarah and Beth at the first place. But I did! It was difficult not to. And I like that little bit of romance with Sarah and Caz. It was really sweet!

I had expected that The Bridesmaid Pact to be the usual romantic comedy on wedding planning. But I was clearly wrong. The Bridesmaid Pact is more than that. It is a heart-warming story on the four girl’s friendship. Sure, they had broken up with their friendship over betrayal. But in the end, they need to stick together and overcome their problems together and be there to support each other. Because that is what friends do, right? 

Book Cover’s Description

One for all and all for one! As children, Sarah, Dorrie, Beth and Caz were inseparable and vowed to one day be each other’s bridesmaids. But somehow, it all went wrong... 

Caz's wild streak has tested her friendships over the years. One by one she has let her friends down, not least when she commits the ultimate betrayal to Susan. Can she change her ways?

Beth is desperate for a baby – but is an event from her past about to destroy her future?

Sarah is plagued by doubts that she made a big mistake. Will she find the courage to do the right thing?

 Dorrie is planning her ultimate Disney and wants her friends back together for the most important day of her life. But the fairytale is not all that it seems.

As the big day dawns, all eyes are on whether the ultimate act of friendship will be honoured and obeyed...

Review: Audition

Audition
by Ryū Murakami, Ralph McCarthy (Translator)

Genre: asian-literature, crime-thriller, horror
Publication: January2009
Format: Hardcover, 208 pages

Audition had a slow start as Aoyama began to discuss his plan to remarry with his friend, Yoshikawa and continue to Aoyama courting Asami. In spite of that, I just couldn’t put the book down. It was interesting to know how Aoyama and Asami’s relationship develop. After all, Aoyama and Asami had a huge age gap.

Aoyama was happy with the developing relationship. But his friend, Yoshikawa warned him that there were something about this girl and warned him to be careful. Aoyama won’t listen. He thought that his friend was jealous that he was dating a young, beautiful girl. Just when their relationship began to develop into something more serious, Asami did something unthinkable.

Audition is a fast read with simple plot and a few dark humors and gruesome scene. The part where Aoyama and Yoshikawa were having a talk about their view on women nowadays was definitely my favourite part. I’m not a fan of horror, but I do think that Murakami’s writing on the horror part was perfectly written. It definitely creep me out. The scene towards the end of Audition was seriously disturbing. I would recommend this book to any horror fan.

Book Cover’s Description

Documentary-maker Aoyama hasn't dated anyone in the seven years since the death of his beloved wife, Ryoko. Now even his teenage son Shige has suggested he think about remarrying. So when his best friend Yoshikawa comes up with a plan to hold fake film auditions so that Aoyama can choose a new bride, he decides to go along with the idea. Of the thousands who apply, Aoyama only has eyes for Yamasaki Asami, a young, beautiful, delicate and talented ballerina with a turbulent past. But there is more to her than Aoyama, blinded by his infatuation, can see, and by the time he discovers the terrifying truth it may be too late. Ryu Murakami delivers his most subtle and disturbing novel yet, confirming him as Japan's master of the psycho-thriller.

Book Review: Wicked Business

Wicked Business (Lizzy & Diesel #2)

by Janet Evanovich

Genre: Chick-lit, humor, mystery, paranormal, romance

Publication: June 2012

Format: Hardcover, 299 pages

Wicked Business is the second book from Lizzy & Diesel series. This time, Lizzy and Diesel is on a quest for Luxuria stone which is related to the seven deadly sins, lust.

I have to say that the second book of Lizzy & Diesel series is a bit disappointment. I found that the story line is a bit boring as compared to the first one.  Lack of excitement, I guess. And Lizzy sounded a lot like Stephanie from Stephanie Plum series. The difference between Lizzy and Stephanie is that, Lizzy cook. Most of the other characters sounded like the characters in Stephanie Plum series. I think that the only character that I find fascinating in the book is Hatchet. I guess he’s a bit different with his Renaissance dressing, talk and all that. I actually love the way he talk.

Overall, Wicked Business is a light, fast-paced read.

Book Cover’s Description

When Harvard University English professor and dyed-in-the-wool romantic Gilbert Reedy is mysteriously murdered and thrown off his fourth-floor balcony, Lizzy and Diesel take up his twenty-year quest for the Luxuria Stone, an ancient relic believed by some to be infused with the power of lust. Following clues contained in a cryptic nineteenth-century book of sonnets, Lizzy and Diesel tear through Boston catacombs, government buildings, and multimillion-dollar residences, leaving a trail of robbed graves, public disturbances, and spontaneous seduction

Random Acts of Kindness - Sept

RAK is also known as Random Acts of Kindness. It is hosted by Book Soulmates. This is the first time I'm joining RAK. I've received a little something from Michelle from Michelle Chew Writes sometimes ago, and it makes me extremely happy. I thought it would be a good idea to give someone a bit of something and makes them happy too :) 

So... Here's the rules for joining RAK: 

• Please read carefully & follow all rules!  Thank you!
• Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
• Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
• Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
• Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
• E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post.  This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Here's my top 5 books in my wishlist!

1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

2. Blood Red Road by Moira Young

3. Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn

4. Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

5. Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood

#20 Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week:

Glo's read the entire Harry Potter series four times and has aspirations toward wizardry. A couple months ago, she found Ripple's Book of Spells in a curio shop, and has been test-driving spells ever since. - page13-14, Wicked Business, Janet Evanovich.

I'm reading Janet Evanovich's Wicked Business this week! Been waiting to read this for a while :) I'm a fan of Janet! I like Lizzy and Diesel novel. But, I think I like Stephanie Plum even better.

What's your Teaser Tuesday?

Book Review: Shiver

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

Publication: 2009

Format: Paperback, 392 pages

I wanted to read this book when I saw it in the book store! I absolutely love the cover. I was fascinated with simple and attractive cover, and I love wolves!

Grace was attacked by a pack of wolves when she was small. Sam, as a wolf, took her away from the attack to save her. Ever since the attack, Grace was attracted to this wolf with yellow eyes or Sam. It was when Jack died when the people in Mercy Falls started to hunt for the wolves. It was then when Grace found Sam at her house, as a human.

Shiver was written in Grace and Sam’s point of view. Now, I have read a few books with alternating point of view, but I found that Grace and Sam’s are a bit confusing because it didn’t alternate between every chapter. It was all over the place, and messy.

In the beginning, Shiver was written in a bit of poetic, lyrical way when Sam was a wolf. But the writing style isn’t as lyrical when Sam turned human annoys me. 

I love the idea of Grace, falling in love with Sam, as a wolf, without knowing that he is a human. I think it was beautiful. But the story is mostly about the love story between Grace and Sam (as a human), and how Sam wanted to stay human. I was looking forward to see more suspense, actually. So, I was a bit disappointed when there weren’t much of them.

Book Cover’s Description

the cold.

Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.

Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.

For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

Winner: Single Girl's To Do List by Lindsey Kelk

Congratulation to Namcy Kulsuma and Sue Mei Jean! You won yourself a copy of  The Single Girl's To Do List by Lindsey Kelk! Please e-mail me back within 48 hours to claim your prize.